LEWISBURG (WVDN) – Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT) has released its show list for the theater’s season 56, and it is an incredible offering of shows that will take you from the 19th century to the present, with several stops along the way.
The opening production of the main-stage season will be “Alabama Story” by Kenneth Jones.
In 1958, author Garth Williams released “The Rabbits’ Wedding,” a children’s book about a white rabbit who marries a black rabbit. In the play, after its release the American Civil Rights Movement clashed with the Jim Crow South, pitting a librarian against a state senator. While these two face off in a battle of wills, the real-life struggle against segregation plays out between a white woman and a black man. The dark reality of segregation and hate collides with the hope and courage of a better tomorrow. Based on true events, this new play is about intent, race, censorship and the American character.
The second show in the season is “Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross and features recognizable, classic songs. A blast from the past, this musical will keep you laughing and singing all night. In the play, four young men on the road to fame are killed unexpectedly in a car crash, but they’re not going to rest in peace just yet. They take the stage for one last show that’s guaranteed to be an undeniable crowd favorite.
GVT’s season follows with the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning smash hit, “Next to Normal,” with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Set in the ideal world of the American suburb, this rock musical is an undaunting look at the challenges of living with a mental disorder. In the production, Diana’s private battle with depression, and the impact it has on her family, is at odds with the “normal” face she puts on for the neighbors. As she and her family attempt to cope, they face the difficult choices that must be made in order to survive.
The fourth show will be the poignant yet funny “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. In this classic play, the inner strength and compassion of women is brought to life in this moving story of friendship. Set in Chinquapin, La., six devoted friends laugh, cry and survive everything life throws at them with wit, style and good old-fashioned southern charm. When tragedy strikes, the strong bond these women share holds them together, proving they truly are made of steel.
GVT’s next offering will be a new adaptation of “Frankenstein” by Catherine Bush. In search of a cure for death, Victor Frankenstein plays God but isn’t prepared for the consequences of his dangerous experiments. Misunderstood and ostracized by everyone he meets, Frankenstein’s monster takes out his grief on the loved ones in Victor’s life, forcing him to face his creation. This adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic will make you wonder if Victor made a monster or if he made a man the world turned into a monster.
The last show of the mainstage season will be a new production of the beloved “A Christmas Carol.” In Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, Ebenezer Scrooge must face the ghosts of his past, the reality of his present and the grim future that awaits him. With the help of three holiday ghosts, Scrooge goes on a journey of self-discovery that teaches him the value of generosity, kindness and brotherhood. This innovative, new adaptation guarantees to satisfy the young and young at heart during the holiday season.
GVT looks forward to you joining then for season 56; they have many wonderful offers that come along with their mainstage works. The Al Jeter Music Series, The MET Live in HD Series, special events and their always popular education program are a huge part of GVT’s work. Early bird, mainstage season tickets go on sale Jan. 19, 2023.
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